AUGUSTA — A retired state worker is running for governor in 2026 as an independent, saying he believes his experience gives him a leg up on the competition.

John M. Glowa Sr. of South China says both political parties have failed.

“We should not be forced to vote between the lesser of two evils,” Glowa said in a statement. “We can make Maine a democracy, but only if we work together to build a true grassroots peoples’ movement and reform the ‘system.’”

So far, 16 people have said they are running for governor next year with more expected to enter the race. 

Glowa, 71, is the third independent to enter the race. State Sen. Rick Bennett of Oxford and Alexander Murchison of Dover-Foxcroft have also filed paperwork to run.

Those who are unenrolled don’t compete in the June primaries like Democrats and Republicans. Instead, they must meet a higher signature threshold to make the November 2026 ballot.

Party candidates need 2,000 to 2,500 signatures by March 16 and independents need 4,000-5,000 by June 1, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

If all those who are unenrolled get the required signatures, multiple independents could be on the ballot in addition to one Democrat and one Republican. 

At this point, Democrats running for the nomination include Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Jason Cherry of Unity, former Senate President Troy Jackson, Angus King III of Portland, Kenneth Pinet of South Portland and former House Speaker Hannah Pingree.

On the Republican side, Kenneth Capron of Portland, Bobby Charles of Leeds, David Jones of Falmouth, state Sen. Jim Libby of Standish, Owen McCarthy of Gorham, Ben Midgley of Kennebunk and Robert Wessels of Norway have said they will run.

Glowa worked for the state for nearly 30 years and retired in 2016. He announced a run for governor in 2022, but did not complete the process to make the November ballot.

“The ‘system’ is set up to give the appearance of democracy and fairness,” Glowa said. “Practically speaking, if the government doesn’t want it to happen, it doesn’t happen. Those in the government who benefit from this rigged system do not want to change and certainly don’t want to rock the boat.”